All Gaal the Red Devils

By James Dann

Poor old David Moyes.

At least when Germany ruined Brazil’s party – like an uninvited guest turning up at your 21st, stealing the keg and leaving with your girlfriend, your ex and your mum – they did it mercifully quickly. Moyes had to sit through most of an agonising season, watching from the bench whilst the world watched the life drain slowly from his piercing blue eyes. Finally put out of his misery, his stint at United was so disastrous, and the reign of successor Martinez at Everton such a contrast that his very legacy as a manager has been tainted. In retrospect, it’s probably the best thing for United. Enter Louis Van Gaal.

The new manager’s stocks are on the rise – especially in the Euro-skeptic English press – after taking an average Netherlands side to the brink of the World Cup Final. With United signing a huge new kit deal – sadly with the sartorially dull Adidas – the money seems to be flowing at Old Trafford.  After last year’s transfer fiasco, Ander Herrera is now a United player.  Fans will be hoping that Van Gaal succeeds in his pursuit of Chile’s Arturo Vidal, or can turn Fellaini back into a Premier League quality player. Otherwise we face yet another season without a proper midfield.  There are worries at the back as well, with senior players leaving, and still questions over their supposed replacements such as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

With Luis Suarez moving to Barcelona to soil his reputation there, Robin Van Persie is now arguably the league’s most effective out-and-out striker.  Van Gaal will be hoping that he can put together another injury-free spell in the first team, otherwise goals may be few and far between for the Red Devils.  For a whole generation of fans, this will be the first time they watch United try and regain some of the aura that they had for so long; a top four finish is expected, but won’t be easy.  The uncertainty is exciting.

Follow James on Twitter